Joburg East Cluster hosted an event for Child Protection Week at Hillbrow Police Station on 8 June.
Seven schools around the cluster were invited to the police station where they were given tips on how they can stay safe. Police stations in Parkview, Rosebank, Yeoville, Jeppe and Alexandra also took part in this event.
Parkview Police Station spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko highlighted what police officers do on this day. “This is when we want to show love and affection to the children. We do it as a reminder that we will protect them at all costs, it is also our way of giving back.”
The event also taught children about different types of abuse and how they can ask for help.
Women’s Network public relations officer for the Joburg East Cluster, Captain Nthabiseng Magowa said she wished that parents could monitor their children’s cell phones to ensure they do not fall victim to any criminal activities.
“Children are being killed, kidnapped and raped. One of our biggest challenges are cases of missing persons, especially children. The protection tips should carry on and teach them that safety comes first and it begins at home,” said Magowa.
The youngsters received goodie bags with toiletries, snacks and branded water bottles. The children invited to the event were from disadvantaged backgrounds. Roseneath Primary School’s Tiego Ramoganyane said, “We are very happy to have received goodie bags because sanitary pads are costly. We were here to learn more about the struggles some of the children go through and how we can protect ourselves for the future.”
Many police officers have confirmed that they wished Child Protection Week could be practised throughout the year and not only for a certain week.
What is your opinion on Child Protection Week being celebrated for only one week? Share your views on @RK_Gazette.
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